World News

US readies forces, but plays down potential for troops in Gaza on October 13, 2023 at 9:30 am

Published

3 years ago

October 13, 2023

The United States is reportedly putting special operations forces on alert and moving major military assets in response to the Israel-Hamas war; however, both the Biden administration and experts this week played down the possibility that America could put boots on the ground in Gaza.

Inserting American troops into the fight between Israel and Hamas would introduce new risk into an already volatile situation as Jerusalem weighs a ground invasion into the Gaza Strip. It’s a situation the American public and U.S. military has little appetite for, but one that President Biden should be prepared for nonetheless, experts say.

“I have a hard time actually seeing the U.S. insert ground forces,” said Jon Alterman, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies Middle East Program.

“I could imagine some circumstances in which you might want to use air assets — especially to send a deterrent signal, but … I don’t think anybody has much interest in jumping into this,” he added.

As of Thursday, at least 27 Americans have been killed in the Hamas attacks on Israel that began over the weekend. Another 14 U.S. citizens remain unaccounted for, according to the White House.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters there are a “very small” number of Americans believed to be held as hostage by Hamas.

“Right now, we think the number that we know, or we believe are held hostage, is very small, very small, like less than a handful. But that could change over time,” Kirby told reporters Wednesday.

Thousands of U.S. citizens live in Israel — a country that also counts Americans as one of its largest tourist groups. But many individuals seeking to flee the country due to fighting have found it difficult to leave given that several major airlines have suspended service in and out of the country.

The instability and violence has prompted the Biden administration to surge weapons and equipment to the Israel Defense Forces, including ammunition and interceptors to replenish the country’s Iron Dome air defense system. In addition, Washington has moved a U.S. carrier fleet to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, with talks of sending a second fleet, and repositioned fighter jets to the region.

But the White House claims those are all efforts done as a deterrent to keep potentially malignant actors at bay from entering the conflict, with the U.S. “not contemplating” putting troops on the ground despite the U.S. hostages, Biden’s deputy national security adviser Jon Finer said Thursday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

“How do you actually find these people, and then once you do find them, if you do find them, how do you actually locate them, either negotiate their release or try operationally to remove them?” Finer asked.

“But what I can say is at this point, we are not contemplating U.S. boots on the ground involved in that mission.”

The same day, a senior Defense official told reporters that the Pentagon has “no intention of putting U.S. forces on the ground at this time.”

Instead, the U.S. is helping Israeli officials with “intelligence and planning” for any potential operations to rescue hostages, Defense officials said this week.

As of now, the only U.S. forces in Israel are a “U.S. military security cooperation team” at the U.S. Embassy and American special operations forces who have been in the country for years “working to deepen military cooperation with Israel,” the senior Defense official said.

In addition, Washington has sent federal hostage recovery experts to Israel to share intelligence and help coordinate rescue efforts, according to national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

Still, the United States has not ruled out a special operations mission to rescue kidnapped Americans — an effort that would require close coordination with Israeli forces.

On Tuesday, The Messenger reported that the U.S. had placed special operations forces on alert in a nearby European country, though it didn’t specify which unit the forces came from.

The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment from The Hill on that report.

Military Times reported Wednesday that the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Marine Corps’s expeditionary unit capable of special operations, had left early from a scheduled exercise with Kuwait “as a result of a emerging events.” They are now near Bahrain, according to the outlet.

Asked about the movement Thursday, the senior Defense official said the Pentagon is “constantly moving our marine and naval assets around the theater based on what the requirements are” but wouldn’t offer further details.

Robert O’Brien, a former national security adviser in the Trump administration, said Wednesday that rescue efforts within Gaza would be incredibly complicated but the administration should be prepared to carry out such efforts if the opportunity arises.

“We’ve probably never faced something this complicated in terms of a hostage rescue,” O’Brien said on CNN. “I’m not suggesting that there’s the ability to launch a rescue at this time, … [but] we need to be opportunistic. We need to be prepared if an opportunity arises.”

The hostage situation also comes amid concerns that the conflict could encourage adversaries, particularly Iran and its proxy forces, to attack U.S. troops in the region. Several thousand American forces are based in Iraq and Syria to keep Islamic State militants from resurging in the region.

Defense officials have not said what additional measures, if any, have been taken to protect those troops amid the heightened security threats.

“I’m not going to get into hypotheticals,” the senior Defense official said, adding that the U.S. military is able to “expeditiously deploy dynamic capabilities across the globe to support the defensive needs of our allies and partners.”

An Israeli ground invasion into Gaza would mark a major escalation of the war, along with ratcheting up tensions across the region.

“It’s a complicated role for the United States [as it] has its own responsibilities in terms of the need to make sure that Americans are safe,” James Steinberg, the dean of John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and former deputy secretary of State, said Wednesday.

“But it’s also true that the administration is already trying to think about ‘how do we get beyond this? How do we put an end to the danger of escalation of violence?’” he added.

Steinberg suggested that Washington could try to use connections it has in the region — such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and others — to engage “all of whom have a stake in not seeing the situation escalate.”

Biden said Wednesday his administration is “working on every aspect of the hostage crisis in Israel,” though he declined to detail such efforts.

“Folks, there’s a lot we’re doing — a lot we’re doing. I have not given up hope of bringing these folks home,” he said at a roundtable with Jewish community leaders. “But the idea that I’m going to stand here before you and tell you what I’m doing is bizarre.”

Business

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Published

1 month ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

7 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.